This blog discusses current weather, weather prediction, climate issues, and other topics

Sunday, March 8, 2009

More snow

This is really quite extraordinary. We could actually get more snow tomorrow. Continental air is now moving through the Fraser (see map)...the sign is the low dewpoint...very dry air. But the big push comes tomorrow morning. The computer models show a great strengthening of the cold flow through the Fraser and lower terrain tomorrow morning between 7 and 10 AM, and that this air will push southward into Puget Sound. This push of cold is being initiated by a disturbance aloft...warmer, moister air will rise over the cold air producing light snow over the Puget Sound lowlands that could add up to a few inches (see map). I hate to say this...the TV types will go crazy. This is not certain, but now looks more likely than not.

I agree Fleetwood, the tv forecasters never actually tell you what's going to happen, because if they do the city goes crazy and expects something to happen, and when it doesn't, the news people get a bad reputation.

Wow. Very, very icy outside! I take a step out of my door to see how icy it was, and there was nothing. Maybe a little. (Most snow had melted in that spot.) I walk out a few feet to where the snow was still on the road, and I am kind of jogging out there (It is freezing!) and all of a sudden I see the shine - but it was to late. I start to slip, but I am able to catch myself. I look closer, and the whole road is covered in black ice. You can run your foot along the whole thing. Watch out in the morning people. Drive safely. :)

My husband and I were walking around Green Lake Sunday evening around 5 p.m. and were delighted by a bizarre cloud that hung over Green Lake and points east and dumped snow pellets on us for about 30 minutes. I'm really curious about these snow pellets - they were not flakes, hail or sleet -- they were like little snowballs. What causes them? Also, according to the thermometer in the car, it was 45 degrees. 45 degrees and snowing?!? Did I mention it was also sunny in places around the lake? The snow blew in sideways from this crazy cloud while the sun was shining. Everybody walking around the lake had a goofy grin on their face, because it was just so very magical.

32.5 and light snow in SE Auburn @10:45pm. Can't believe this is March 8th! Still have about an inch on the ground from earlier today. Tomorrow will be a great day to be watching radar to see if a deformation band sets up or some kind of Arctic boundary pushes south through the metro area.

32.5 and light snow shwr in SE Auburn @ 11pm. Still have about an inch from snow band earlier today. Will be fun to watch radar tomorrow to see if some kind deformation zone or Arctic boundary sets up and pushes south through the metro area. Glad I don't have to commute north in the morning!

32.5 and light snow shwr in SE Auburn @ 11pm. Still have about an inch from snow band earlier today. Will be fun to watch radar tomorrow to see if some kind deformation zone or Arctic boundary sets up and pushes south through the metro area. Glad I don't have to commute north in the morning!

Well... one local station has titled it "March Snow". What was funny was:

While reporting "live" the station reporter was saying you couldn't see the Space Needle because it was snowing so hard, while pointing over his right shoulder. Unfortunately, the Space Needle was in FULL VIEW over his left shoulder during the entire shot.

I'd actually be stoked for more snow (I can't get over how pretty my crocuses are when they are surrounded by snow and want to get some photos) and the kids will go nuts.

Here's an eye roll in advance for the "this proves global warming isn't happening" folks. Global climate change is real... local effects may vary and our current weather may or may not be a symptom of the overall *and undeniable* climate change.

Cliff and other bus riders, have you noticed any improvement in Metro's bus notification system in our recent tricky weather? I was wondering whether the promised changes have helped... I can't tell and don't ride the bus often enough to be able to make a judgment... but I've been thinking of you guys every time we have interesting weather.